UK Work Visa Sponsorship Guide: Eligibility, Fees, Steps to Apply

Securing a UK Skilled Worker visa requires a sponsor — a UK employer licensed by the Home Office to hire overseas workers. This guide explains the sponsorship system from both perspectives.

What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

A CoS is a unique reference number your UK employer assigns to you for your visa application. It is not a physical document. It contains details about your job, salary, and start date, and you cannot apply for a Skilled Worker visa without a valid CoS.

How to Find a UK Sponsor

1. Check the Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors — publicly available on the government website
2. Apply directly to employers in your sector who appear on the register
3. Use specialist recruiters in healthcare, IT, and engineering
4. Search NHS Jobs — the NHS is one of the UK’s largest sponsors

Employer Responsibilities

• Carry out right-to-work checks before employment begins
• Assign CoS via the Sponsorship Management System (SMS)
• Pay the Immigration Skills Charge: £1,000/year (large employers) or £364/year (small/charity)
• Monitor attendance and report changes to the Home Office

Your Application Steps

1. Receive your CoS reference number from your employer
2. Apply online through UKVI within 3 months of CoS assignment
3. Pay visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
4. Provide biometrics and supporting documents
5. Decision typically within 3 weeks for outside-UK applications

Changing Jobs

Your new employer must have a sponsor licence and assign you a new CoS before you switch. You must apply for an updated Skilled Worker visa before starting with the new employer.

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